Debt Collection Agency or Attorney?

[Jay Makda]

I have a judgement against a tenant that I have evicted.  I am trying to find the best way to recoup the money.  I have approached the former tenant and he has no interest in paying me.  He actually has a decent job and owns a few investment properties himself.

The few debt collection agencies I found after a google search were not very helpful.  One agency recommended hiring an attorney.

Can you share your experience on how to collect money after a judgement?  

Is there any way to report it to the credit agencies without it costing me money?

Are there any attorneys in the Chicagoland area that do this?  

What kind of fees should I expect if using a collection agency?  Using an attorney?

Thanks

[John Warren]

@Jay Makda this is definitely worth pursuing. I sat through a presentation by an attorney who specializes in this, and this is an absolute no brainer for you to pursue. You probably will only get 60-70% of it back as most of the attorneys work on retainer who do this, but if the guy has assets and the ability to pay you back then why not chase him?